The gold bar, worth an estimated $1,200, is a first for Salvation Army Lt. Bill Brutto. He’s heard of gold coins and even diamond rings being dropped into kettles, but said he’s “never seen anything like it before.”

Brutto told The News-Dispatch the gold bar was slipped anonymously into the kettle, probably wrapped in a dollar bill to hide what it was. He said a private donor has offered to pay the full value in exchange for the gold bar.

“It’s always been a Christmas tradition so to be a part of it is really cool,” he said.

Brutto said he was grateful for the large donation, as well as everything else the Salvation Army received from the community this year.

“It’s unbelievable how the community has come out and helped us,” he said. “Most Salvation Armys are struggling to meet their budgets this year.”